Bring Hoops To Hilton For The Kids

David Teel

Reason and understanding have come to the Hilton playground basketball debate. Folks are considering both sides of the issue. Solutions are being pondered. The hoops may return.

For this, we can thank Ruari Savage. He is 14 and likes to play basketball behind Hilton Elementary School, where the James River breeze offers some respite from the brutal heat.

The Newport News Parks and Recreation Department took down the four rims and backboards at Hilton more than a month ago. But it wasn't until this child expressed his disappointment to a reporter that adults began to act rationally.

Parks and Recreation Director Ronnie Burroughs ordered the baskets removed after several Hilton residents complained about vulgar language used by adults playing on the courts. Undercover rangers playing on the courts confirmed the language, Burroughs said.

After Savage's story became public, the Rev. Lawrence Bethel, head of the Newport News branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, accused the city of racial insensitivity. Burroughs and Vice Mayor Marty Williams denied the charge.

Burroughs now says he is reconsidering his decision. He says the baskets may return, perhaps with a supervisor to make sure children have a chance to use the courts.

That is encouraging. But this unpleasantness could have been avoided.

First, Burroughs should have been less hasty. He said the offenders were warned, but added, ``Really, what could you do?''

Easy. Make it clear to everyone that the hoops are coming down if foul language persists, especially around children. Demand that one of the two courts be reserved for kids, if kids are present.

And don't use park rangers as your messenger. Send someone who commands attention, such as a police officer or politician.

As black activist Ernie Williams says, ``I'm sure there are brothers over there raising hell. But they should have sent somebody over there to tell them to tone it down.''

Brothers. Street slang for black males. Basketball is their game of choice, and officials should have anticipated that removing courts, particularly after complaints from a predominantly white neighborhood, would disturb racial waters.

In denying racial motives, Burroughs and Marty Williams need to appreciate the concerns of blacks. Conversely, Bethel must appreciate Hilton residents' wishes that children not be exposed to, or intimidated by, nasty language from adults. The extent and severity of that language, of course, is open to speculation. No one constantly monitors the area. Some residents found it intolerable and complained. Others did not.

``There was a one-week period when the language was bad,'' said one resident who requested anonymity.

The resident raised another question. What about school children in September? Burroughs said the baskets will return if school officials request them.

But the problem may be resolved before autumn. Burroughs said he is evaluating his department's entire basketball program. He acknowledges that more courts are necessary.

Meanwhile, Ruari Savage doesn't understand how the issue became political and racial.